Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and ulcers in the colon and rectum longer Bloody diarrhea Lower abdominal pain is the most common symptom, and it is a chronic disease that will likely require continuous treatment to treat “exacerbation of symptoms.” southerncross“.
Q: what is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is associated with another type of inflammatory bowel disease – Crohn’s disease Some of the symptoms are similar but while it is the large intestine and rectum that are primarily affected by ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease can develop in any part of the digestive system.
Ulcerative colitis can start at any age, but it occurs more commonly in young people between the ages of 15 and 25. The incidence of this condition also increases between the ages of 50 and 70 years and children are rarely affected. Women are affected by this condition more commonly than men.
Q: What are the causes of ulcerative colitis?
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the intestinal immune system attacks normal intestinal cells and tissues.
Genetics is believed to be a factor in the development of the disease. People who have a first-degree relative (i.e. brother, sister, child, and parent) with ulcerative colitis are more likely to develop the disease. In recent years, nearly 30 genes have been identified that may increase From susceptibility to disease.
Lifestyle factors such as stress and eating certain foods do not cause ulcerative colitis but may exacerbate symptoms.
Q: What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are bouts of bloody diarrhea and pain and cramping in the lower abdomen. There may also be a feeling of an urgent need to pass a bowel movement that may contain mucus or pus. Other symptoms that may occur include the following:
Fatigue
Weakness
A general feeling of poor health
– Weight loss
– Anorexia
Flatulence
Symptoms vary in frequency and severity. Nearly half of all sufferers will experience only mild symptoms. For others, the symptoms will be more severe. The severity of symptoms tends to be related to how affected the colon is.
Ulcerative colitis is characterized by episodes in which symptoms are severe and episodes in which symptoms are absent.
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